Thank you for choosing AdderLink Infinity, otherwise known as ALIF or ALIF1000.
ALIF represents a ...... beginning to forward each data packet. This way the.
AdderLink Infinity User Guide
Experts in Connectivity Solutions
KVM Extension Solutions
Operation
CONFIGURATION
Mounting.................................................................................................................6 Connections...........................................................................................................7 TX video link....................................................................................................8 TX audio links..................................................................................................8 TX USB link......................................................................................................9 TX AUX port...................................................................................................9 TX power in...................................................................................................10 TX/RX network link.....................................................................................11 RX video display............................................................................................12 RX microphone & speakers........................................................................12 RX USB devices.............................................................................................13 RX AUX port.................................................................................................13 RX power in...................................................................................................14
Front panel indicators........................................................................................21
Further information Getting assistance...............................................................................................22 Appendix A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages...........................23 Appendix B - Receiver (RX) unit configuration pages................................30 Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units.....................37 Appendix D - Troubleshooting.........................................................................39 Appendix E - Glossary.......................................................................................41 Appendix F - Cable pinouts, video modes and general specifications....44 Warranty...............................................................................................................45 Safety information...............................................................................................45 Radio frequency energy.....................................................................................46
Index
OPERATION
Installation
Initial configuration.............................................................................................15 Manual factory reset.....................................................................................15 AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility........................16 A rough guide to configuring TX and RX units......................................17 TX (transmitter) unit configuration....................................................17 RX (receiver) unit configuration..........................................................18 Performing an upgrade.......................................................................................20 Options switches.................................................................................................20
FURTHER INFORMATION
Welcome.................................................................................................................2 AdderLink Infinity unit features.........................................................................3 Supplied items........................................................................................................4 Optional extras......................................................................................................5
Configuration
INDEX
Introduction
INSTALLATION
Contents
1
Introduction
Mixing ALIF and ALIF dual units
AdderLink Infinity dual (2000 series) units offer additional abilities of dual DVI video channels plus the option of fibre optic linking. They are complimentary to the standard (1000 series) models and it is possible to mix ALIF and ALIF dual transmitters and receivers on a network. However, whenever the two types are cross connected, the extra abilities of the ALIF dual units will be temporarily disabled.
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
One-to-one configuration The simplest configuration links one RX unit to a single TX unit, either by a direct link or over much greater distances via a Gigabit Ethernet network.
OPERATION
One-to-many configuration Using multicast techniques, an unlimited number of receivers* can receive video and audio data streams from a single TX unit.
* A maximum of thirteen concurrent USB inputs (via multiple RX units) are permitted to a single TX unit.
ALIF and A.I.M.
Where multiple ALIF units are used on a network, we have developed the AdderLink Infinity Management (A.I.M.) server to allow comprehensive and secure central control of all transmitters, receivers and users. When using an A.I.M. server to configure ALIF units, it is vital that all ALIF units that you wish to locate and control are set to their factory default settings. Otherwise they will not be located by the A.I.M. server. If necessary, perform a factory reset on each ALIF unit. Please also see Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
FURTHER INFORMATION
Thank you for choosing AdderLink Infinity, otherwise known as ALIF or ALIF1000. ALIF represents a major advance in the capabilities of digital extenders and switches. By encoding high quality DVI video, digital audio and USB connections into Internet Protocol (IP) messages, ALIF offers highly advanced and flexible signal switching capabilities. Adder’s extensive knowledge of interfacing techniques and high speed networking has allowed us to develop new ways to break the chains of local DVI, USB and audio connections. With ALIF, distance is finally no barrier to high specification, high performance computing. Furthermore, since all signals are now IP, the most elaborate and yet simple-to-use switching and multicast techniques make possible a great variety of uses. The TX transmitter attaches to a single computer while the RX receiver connects with your DVI video monitor, microphone, speakers and up to four USB peripherals. The distance between them is limited only by the size of your network. In addition to separating one computer and its peripherals, ALIF promotes sharing. You can arrange for a limitless number of screens and speakers, distributed anywhere across the network, to receive video and audio.You can also switch between any number of transmitter units from a single screen, keyboard and mouse in order to monitor a potentially vast collection of remote systems. All units feature browser-based configuration utilities to allow quick and easy set up, from near or far.
AdderLink
MANAGEMENT SERVER
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INDEX
Welcome
2
AdderLink Infinity unit features
The ALIF units are housed within durable, metallic enclosures with most connectors situated at the rear panel the Ethernet ports are situated on the front panels. The smart front faces also feature the operation indicators.
ALIF receiver - front
TRANSMIT
RECEIVER
AdderLink
AdderLink www.adder.com
www.adder.com
NET SER AUD USB DVI PWR
• NET On when valid network link is present. Flashes when the unit is in error. • SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active. • AUD On when audio is enabled and active. • USB On when USB is enabled and active. • DVI On when DVI video is enabled. • PWR Power indicator.
LINE OUT
LINE IN
AUX
INDOOR USE ONLY
OPTIONS
ON
1 2
COMPUTER
USB port
Options switches (further details)
Video input
Audio line in/out
5V
AUX (serial) port
2.5A
1 2
Power input
USER CONSOLE
Video output
USB ports
Audio line in/out
AUX (serial) port
INDEX
Power input
AUX
1 2
ON
2.5A
LINE IN/ LINE OUT MIC IN
DVI-D
FURTHER INFORMATION
DVI-D
1 2
5V
System (Gigabit Ethernet) port
ALIF receiver - rear
ALIF transmitter - rear
INDOOR USE ONLY OPTIONS
Indicators These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation:
OPERATION
On when valid network link is present. Flashes when the unit is in error. On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active. On when audio is enabled and active. On when the USB link with the connected PC is active. On when a video input signal from the PC is detected. Power indicator.
System (Gigabit Ethernet) port
CONFIGURATION
NET SER AUD USB DVI PWR
Indicators These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation: • NET • SER • AUD • USB • DVI • PWR
INSTALLATION
ALIF transmitter - front
Options switches (further details)
3
Supplied items
INSTALLATION
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USB
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Combined DVI-D and USB cable (1.8m)
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ALIF1000T unit
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Information wallet containing: Four self-adhesive rubber feet Quick start guide Safety document
Serial null modem cable 2m
2 x Audio cable 2m (3.5mm stereo jacks)
CONFIGURATION
Ad der
Power adapter (12.5W) and country-specific power cord
OPERATION
ALIF transmitter (1000T) package
Power adapter (12.5W) and country-specific power cord
FURTHER INFORMATION
ALIF receiver (1000R) package
NET
ALIF1000R unit
SE R AU D
USB
DV I PW R
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Information wallet containing:
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Four self-adhesive rubber feet Quick start guide Safety document
INDEX
Ad der Lin k
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Two 19” rack-mount brackets and four screws Part numbers: One unit per 1U rack slot: RMK4S Two units per 1U rack slot: RMK4D
Single link DVI-D to DVI-D video cable Part number:VSCD1
Combined dual link DVI-D and USB (USB type A to B) cable Part numbers: VSCD3 (1.8m length) VSCD4 (5m length)
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
Optional extras
OPERATION
Power adapter (12.5W) and country-specific power cord Part number: PSU-IEC-5VDC-2.5A
Audio cable 2m (3.5mm stereo jacks) Part number: VSC22
FURTHER INFORMATION
USB cable 2m (type A to B) Part number:VSC24
INDEX
Serial null modem cable 2m Part number: CAB-9F/9F-NULL-MODEM
5
Installation Mounting
INSTALLATION
There are two main mounting methods for transmitter and receiver units: • The supplied four self-adhesive rubber feet • Optional rack brackets Connections
OP
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5V
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LIN E MI IN/ CI N LI NDEV IO -DU T
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SAE 1 2 RC ON
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FURTHER INFORMATION
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INDEX
Note:The ALIF units and their power supplies generate heat when in operation and will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding 40oC. Do not place the products in contact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
OPERATION
The optional brackets (plus four screws), allow the units to be secured within a standard rack slot.
CONFIGURATION
Rack brackets
6
Connections
OPERATION
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
Installation involves linking the ALIF TX unit to various ports on the host computer, while the ALIF RX unit is attached to your peripherals:
INDEX
IMPORTANT: When using an AdderLink Infinity Management box to configure ALIF units, it is vital that all ALIF units that you wish to locate and control are set to their factory default settings. Otherwise they will not be located by the A.I.M. server. If necessary, perform a factory reset on each ALIF unit. Please also see Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
FURTHER INFORMATION
Click a connection to see details
7
TX video link
TX audio links
To make a video link 1 Wherever possible, ensure that power is disconnected from the ALIF and the host computer. 2 Connect a digital video link cable to the DVI-D socket on the TX unit rear panel:
To make audio links 1 Connect an audio link cable between the LINE OUT socket on the TX unit rear panel and the speaker output socket of the host computer.
LIN
INSTALLATION
ALIF units support two way stereo digital sound so that you can use a remote microphone as well as speakers.
CONFIGURATION
ALIF units support a single high resolution DVI-D digital video display at pixel clocks up to 165MHz (equating to an example display mode of 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz refresh).
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Speaker link from host computer
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Microphone link to host computer
3 Connect the plug at the other end of the cable to the corresponding DVI-D video output socket of the host computer.
2 [Where a microphone is to be used]: Connect a second audio link cable between the LINE IN socket on the TX unit rear panel and the Line In socket of the host computer.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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INDEX
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OPERATION
DVI-D link from host computer
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To make a USB link 1 Connect the type B connector of the supplied USB cable to the USB port on the TX unit rear panel.
To connect the AUX port 1 Ensure that power is removed from the ALIF unit. 2 Connect a suitable serial ‘null-modem’ cable (see Appendix F for pin-out) between a vacant serial port on your computer and the AUX port on the right hand side of the ALIF rear panel.
The AUX port is an RS232 serial port that allows extension of RS232 signals up to a baud rate of 115200. The port has software flow control, but no hardware flow control.
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2
2 AU X
USB link from host computer
OPERATION
1
INSTALLATION
TX AUX port
ALIF units act as USB 2.0 hubs and so can provide four sockets at the RX unit with only a single connection at the TX unit.
CONFIGURATION
TX USB link
INDEX
2 Connect the type A connector of the cable to a vacant USB socket on the host computer.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Serial (null-modem) link from your computer
9
TX power in
1
5V
2.5
A
Power cord from power adapter
1
Note: Ensure that Option switches 1 and 2 are both in the ‘off’ (up) position to enable normal operation of the unit.
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specific power cord to the socket of the power adapter. 3 Connect the power cord to a nearby main supply socket. Note: Both the unit and its power supply generate heat when in operation and will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding 40oC. Do not place the products in contact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
FURTHER INFORMATION
T
OPERATION
OP
INDEX
IN US DOO EO R NL Y
CONFIGURATION
To apply power in 1 Attach the output lead from the power adapter to the 5V socket on the rear panel of the unit.
INSTALLATION
Each ALIF unit is supplied with an appropriate power adapter. When all other connections have been made, connect and switch on the power adapter unit.
10
TX/RX network link
INSTALLATION
ALIF units can be either connected directly to each other or via a Gigabit Ethernet network. For direct links via Ethernet cable, the length of cable should not exceed 100 metres (328 feet). Network cables used for connections may be category 5, 5e, 6 or 7 twisted-pair cable. ALIF TX units have an autosensing capability on their network interfaces, so for direct pointto-point connections, no ‘crossover’ Ethernet cable is required. To link ALIF units using the System port 1 Connect a CAT 5, 5e, 6, or 7 cable to the System port socket on the front panel of the ALIF unit.
CAT 5, 5e, 6, or 7 link either directly from the other ALIF unit or from a Gigabit Ethernet switch
CONFIGURATION
Please see Appendix C for important tips about networking ALIF units.
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OPERATION
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INDEX
FURTHER INFORMATION
2 Connect the other end of the cable either to the other ALIF unit or to a Gigabit Ethernet switch, as appropriate. 3 [For connections via a network] repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other ALIF unit.
11
To connect a digital DVI video display 1 Connect the lead from the video display to the DVI-D socket on the rear panel of the ALIF unit.
To connect a microphone (or line in) and/or speakers 1 Connect the lead from a mono microphone or, alternatively, a line in connection from an audio device to the 3.5mm socket labeled LINE IN/MIC IN on the rear panel. 2 Connect the lead from stereo speakers to the 3.5mm socket labeled LINE OUT on the rear panel.
The ALIF unit can support a microphone as well as speakers providing the necessary connections have been made between the ALIF TX unit and the host computer.
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INSTALLATION
RX microphone & speakers
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Connection from microphone or line in from audio device
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OPERATION
To video display
3 Once the unit has been fully connected and powered on, access the RX System Configuration page to check that the Audio Input Type setting matches the connection that you have made to the port: line, mic or mic boost (the latter provides +20dB gain).
FURTHER INFORMATION
Link out to speakers
INDEX
ALIF units support a single high resolution DVI-D digital video display at pixel clocks up to 165MHz (equating to an example display mode of 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz refresh).
CONFIGURATION
RX video display
12
To connect the AUX port 1 Ensure that power is removed from the ALIF unit. 2 Connect a suitable serial ‘null-modem’ cable (see Appendix F for pin-out) between the AUX port on the right hand side of the ALIF rear panel and your remote serial device.
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Serial (null-modem) link from your computer Connection from USB device
Supported USB Devices The transmitter unit use True Emulation technology to emulate the signals of certain USB peripherals to the computer. This means that those peripherals appear to the computer to be permanently connected, even when the receivers are switched elsewhere. This enables faster keyboard and mouse switching and allows for more than 13 identical USB devices. If the keyboards and mice are identical across the connected receivers, they are only enumerated once by the host. The following limitations apply: • Keyboards, mice and other HID devices are supported. • Storage devices (i.e. flash drives, USB hard disks, CD-ROM drives) are supported, but they may operate more slowly than with a direct connection. • Isochronous devices (including microphones, speakers, webcams and TV receivers) are not currently supported. • Many other devices (such as printers, scanners, serial adapters and specialist USB devices) will work, but due to the huge variety of devices available, successful operation cannot be guaranteed. • If a device cannot be made to work, please contact Adder technical support as a special entry within the advanced configuration may solve it.
OPERATION
ER
FURTHER INFORMATION
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INDEX
To connect a USB device 1 Connect the lead from the device to any of the four USB sockets on the rear panel of the ALIF unit.
CONFIGURATION
The AUX port is an RS232 serial port that allows extension of RS232 signals up to a baud rate of 115200. The port has software flow control, but no hardware flow control.
The ALIF RX unit has four USB ports to which peripherals may be connected. The ports are interchangeable. To connect more than four peripherals, one or more USB hubs may be used. The total current that may be drawn from the USB ports is 1.2A, which should be sufficient for a keyboard, mouse (no more than 100mA each) and any two other devices (500mA maximum each). If more power for USB devices is required, use a powered USB hub.
INSTALLATION
RX AUX port
RX USB devices
13
Each ALIF unit is supplied with an appropriate power adapter. When all other connections have been made, connect and switch on the power adapter unit.
IN US DOO EO R NL Y
CONFIGURATION
To apply power in 1 Attach the output lead from the power adapter to the 5V socket on the rear panel of the unit.
INSTALLATION
RX power in
OP
2.5
A
Power cord from power adapter
1
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specific power cord to the socket of the power adapter. 3 Connect the power cord to a nearby main supply socket. Note: Both the unit and its power supply generate heat when in operation and will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equipment in ambient temperatures exceeding 40oC. Do not place the products in contact with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
FURTHER INFORMATION
5V
Note: Ensure that Option switches 1 and 2 are both in the ‘off’ (up) position to enable normal operation of the unit.
INDEX
1
OPERATION
T
14
Networked linking
To perform a manual factory reset 1 Remove power from the ALIF unit. 2 Use a narrow implement (e.g. a straightened-out paper clip) to press-and-hold the recessed reset button on the front panel. With the reset button still pressed, reapply power to the unit and then release the reset button.
Where an ALIF TX and an ALIF RX are directly linked to each other, no configuration action is required, provided that they have their factory default settings in place. If the standard settings have been changed in a previous installation, you merely need to perform a factory reset on each unit. Where ALIF units are connected via networked links, you can either configure them individually, or configure them collectively using an A.I.M. server: • Configuring networked ALIF units individually - You need to specify the network addresses of the ALIF units so that they can locate each other. This is done by running the AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility on a computer system linked to the same network as the ALIF units. • Configuring ALIF units collectively - The AdderLink Infinity Management (A.I.M.) server allows you to configure, control and coordinate any number of ALIF transmitters and receivers from a single application.
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IMPORTANT: When using A.I.M. to configure ALIF units, it is vital that all ALIF units that you wish to locate and control are set to their factory default settings. Otherwise they will not be located by the A.I.M. server. If necessary, perform a factory reset on each ALIF unit. Use a straightened-out paper clip to press the reset button while powering on the unit
Please also see Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
After roughly eight seconds, when the factory reset has completed, five of the front panel indicators will flash for a period of three seconds to indicate a successful reset operation.
CONFIGURATION
Direct linking
A factory reset returns an ALIF TX or RX unit to its default configuration.You can perform factory resets using the AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility or by using this direct manual method.
OPERATION
Manual factory reset
FURTHER INFORMATION
ALIF units are designed to be as flexible as possible and this principle extends also to their configuration.
INDEX
Initial configuration
INSTALLATION
Configuration
15
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2 Connect the other end of the link cable to your network. 3 Similarly, link your computer to the same network. Note: A Gigabit connection is not essential for configuration purposes. 4 If not already switched on, power up your computer and the ALIF unit.You are now ready to use the browser-based configuration utility.
Use the menu options to choose the required configuration page
You can find further information about the configuration pages for the TX and RX units within separate appendices later in this guide: • Appendix A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages • Appendix B - Reciever (RX) unit configuration pages
FURTHER INFORMATION
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INDEX
Link from Ethernet switch
OPERATION
To connect a computer system for browser-based configuration 1 Connect a suitable network cable to the Ethernet port on the front panel of the ALIF unit.
To access the browser-based configuration utility 1 Temporarily connect the ALIF unit and a computer via a network, as discussed opposite. 2 Run a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the ALIF unit, e.g. http://169.254.1.33 The default settings are as follows: • TX units - IP address: 169.254.1.33 • RX units - IP address: 169.254.1.32 Where the address of a unit is not known perform a manual factory reset to restore the default address. The opening page of the ALIF configuration utility should be displayed:
CONFIGURATION
The browser-based configuration utility within all TX and RX units requires a network connection between the ALIF unit and a computer on the same network. The configuration utility allows you to perform all of the following functions: • View/edit the IP network address and netmask, • Configure separate IP network addresses for video, audio and USB, • Configure multicast settings (on RX units), • Configure video bandwidth settings (on TX units), • View the current video output (on TX units), • Perform a firmware upgrade, • Perform a factory reset.
INSTALLATION
AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility
16
CONFIGURATION OPERATION
Setting the TX address and output signal details 1 Display the TX unit System Configuration page. 2 Ensure that the IP address and netmask for the TX unit are correct. The default settings are 169.254.1.33 and 255.255.0.0 respectively.Where changes are necessary, enter the new values and click the Update Now button.You will need to declare the System IP Address that is set here to the RX unit(s) linked to the TX unit. 3 Check that the data streams (Enable Video, Enable Audio and Enable USB - plus Enable Serial, if used) are enabled (ticked) or disabled (unticked) as appropriate. There are similar options within the RX unit configuration and it is important that the settings in both units are the same. If one of these options is ticked in one unit but unticked in the other, then that data stream will remain disabled. If you make a change, remember to click the Update Now button.
Optimizing the TX video signal Note:Where the ALIF system is connected to a Gigabit Ethernet network with sufficient available bandwidth, there should be no need to alter the default settings on this page. 1 Display the TX unit System Configuration page and then change to the Video Configuration page. 2 Make changes to the controls as necessary. There is no single combination of adjustments that will suit all installations, but generally: • If color quality is important, then leave Colour Depth at 24 bits and adjust other controls, • If moving video images are being shown frequently, then leave Frame Skipping at a low percentage and instead reduce the Peak Bandwidth Limiter and Colour Depth. • Where screens are quite static, try increasing the Background Refresh interval and/or increasing the Frame skipping percentage setting. Make changes one at a time, in small steps, and view typical video images so that you can attribute positive or negative results to the appropriate control. See TX Video Configuration for individual explanations of the controls. 3 Click Update Now to apply each setting change.
FURTHER INFORMATION
In the ALIF system, the majority of configuration settings are dictated by the RX units. Therefore, the local TX unit setup (using its browser-based configuration utility) is usually concerned only with three main factors: Its IP address details, the data streams to enable/ disable and video signal optimization. Other TX unit pages, such as USB Settings, System Messages, Firmware Upgrades and Reboot are generally not used or altered during the majority of installations and are discussed elsewhere in this guide. See Appendix A for explanations of all TX configuration page options.
INDEX
TX (transmitter) unit configuration
INSTALLATION
A rough guide to configuring TX and RX units
17
RX (receiver) unit configuration
CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
Configuring the RX unit 1 Display the RX unit System Configuration page. 2 In the System Configuration section, ensure that the System IP address and System Netmask for this RX unit are correct. Their default settings are 169.254.1.32 and 255.255.0.0 respectively. Where changes are necessary, enter the new values and click the Update Now button. The System IP Address that is set here will be sent to the TX unit as the destination for transmitted data (when operating in unicast mode). The Gateway entry is only necessary when the TX unit is located on a separate network to the RX unit. 3 Check that the data streams (Enable Video, Enable Audio and Enable USB - plus Enable Serial, if used) are enabled (ticked) or disabled (unticked) as appropriate. There are similar options within the TX unit configuration; If one of these options is ticked in one unit but unticked in the other, then that data stream will remain disabled. If you make a change, click the Update Now button. 4 If necessary, alter the Audio Input Type to match your audio input. The line option is for a stereo line input, mic and mic boost are for mono microphones, the latter benefiting from a +20dB gain boost. 5 In the Target Transmitter Unit Settings section, enter the IP address for the TX unit that will be supplying the video, audio, USB and serial data streams. (See also step 7 overleaf). 6 The Use ETH2 setting controls an optional feature that can be used when the ALIF 1000 receiver is linked to an ALIF dual (2002 or 2112T) transmitter. This takes advantage of the extra Teaming port of those transmitters to provide a secondary (redundant) data feed. Once enabled, if the primary link fails for any reason, there will be a short delay for a few video frames (and possibly some on-screen corruption) as all the data packets are rearranged to be sent down the secondary link. If required, tick the Use ETH2 option to enable the feature and enter the IP address of the Teaming port (ETH2) of the transmitter whose primary IP address is declared in the field above. It is important that the primary and secondary ports are both derived from the same ALIF dual transmitter otherwise both links will fail. (See also step 8 overleaf). continued
INSTALLATION
In the ALIF system, it is the RX unit (receiver) that determines where and how data signals are sent (and received) by the TX unit. Although numerous topologies (oneto-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, etc.) are made possible by the ALIF system, they are all dependent on two underlying modes of operation: either Unicast or Multicast transmission. Where multicast transmission is not invoked for video and/or audio data, operation will be automatically served by unicast network transmission technologies. The RX unit setup (using the System Configuration page of its browser-based configuration utility) is concerned with four main factors: Its own IP address details, the data streams to enable/disable, the IP address of the TX unit and multicast transmission details. Other pages, such as USB Settings, System Messages, Firmware Upgrades and Reboot are generally not used or altered during the majority of installations and are discussed elsewhere in this guide.
See Appendix B for individual explanations of the controls.
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9 For installations that require multiple RX units to receive the same feeds, for either video or audio or both, then you need to configure the Multicast Settings section.
The video and audio multicast addresses must be different. The addresses that you enter will be used by the RX unit to ‘listen-in’ on the video and audio data streams output by the TX unit. The same IP addresses need to be set on every RX unit that will similarly receive the video and audio data streams. 10 Click the Update Now button to save. Repeat the IP addressing and multicast configuration steps for all RX units that will be part of the one-to-many installation. For most installations, the successful implementation of these configuration steps will result in a correctly working system.
OPERATION INDEX
The default setting for all four entries is the standard IP address that is factory set within every TX unit (169.254.1.33). Optionally alter the target IP addresses for each data feed and click the Update Now button. 8 Once the Target Transmitter Unit Settings section is expanded, below each IP Address entry there are the optional (Use ETH2 for... etc.) settings for the secondary (redundant) data streams when linking with ALIF dual transmitters. Although the video, audio, USB and serial streams can come from separate transmitters; if the secondary options are used here, then the secondary feeds for each data type must come from Teaming port of the SAME transmitter as the primary feed for that data type. Additionally, the video section has a Video No. setting which allows you to choose between the primary or secondary video ports of the ALIF dual transmitter.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Video and Audio sub-sections are configured in exactly the same way: • First, tick the Enable Multicast Video / Enable Multicast Audio check box. • Next, enter appropriate Multicast Addresses for the Video/Audio data stream(s). The set of IP addresses between 224.0.0.0 and 239.255.255.255 are specifically reserved for multicast operations. Within a private enterprise network, you merely need to choose a location that is currently unused. However, if your link will pass through public networks, then attention must be given to finding an address within these limits that is not already reserved for special use. The IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) website: iana.org provides a list of publicly reserved addresses.
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
7 Most often the video, audio, USB and serial data streams are supplied by the same TX unit, so a single primary (and optional secondary) IP address(es) can be used. However, it is possible to receive the various data streams from different transmitters, in which case, click the blue arrow to reveal the four separate video, audio, USB and serial addresses:
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Finding the latest upgrade files Firmware files for the ALIF units are available from the Technical Support > Updates section of the Adder Technology website (www.adder.com).
Each ALIF unit retains a backup firmware image which can be used in situations where the primary firmware becomes corrupted (most often through failed upgrade operations). Using the backup firmware will allow you to regain operation of the unit. Option switch 1 OFF Normal operation using the main firmware ON Operate using the backup firmware image Option switch 2 is reserved and must remain in the OFF (up) position for normal operation.
INSTALLATION
Switch 1 - firmware image select
CONFIGURATION
To upgrade a single unit via network link 1 Download the latest upgrade file from the Adder Technology website. Note:There are separate upgrade files for TX and RX units. 2 Temporarily connect the ALIF unit and a computer via a network (see AdderLink Infinity browser-based configuration utility section for details). 3 Run a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the ALIF unit to be upgraded. 4 Click the Firmware Upgrade link. Within the Firmware Upgrade page, click the Choose File button. In the subsequent file dialog, locate the downloaded upgrade file - check that the file is correct for the unit being upgraded. 5 Click the Upgrade Now button. A progress bar will be displayed (however, if your screen is connected to the unit being upgraded then video may be interrupted) and the indicators on the front panel will flash while the upgrade is in progress. 6 The indicators should stop flashing in less than one minute, after which the unit will automatically reboot itself. The upgrade process is complete.
A pair of Options switches are located on the rear panel of every ALIF unit.
OPERATION
WARNING: During the upgrade process, ensure that power is not interrupted as this may leave the unit in an inoperable state.
Options switches
FURTHER INFORMATION
ALIF units are flash upgradeable using the method outlined here. However, for larger installations we recommend that you use the AdderLink Infinity Manager (A.I.M.) to upgrade multiple ALIF units. When using the method below, the ALIF unit will be upgraded in sequence.
INDEX
Performing an upgrade
20
In operation, many ALIF installations require no intervention once configured. The TX and RX units take care of all connection control behind the scenes so that you can continue to work unhindered.
Front panel indicators
CONFIGURATION
The six front panel indicators on each unit provide a useful guide to operation:
INSTALLATION
Operation
FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation: • NET On when valid network link is present. Flashes when the unit is in error. • SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active. • AUD On when audio is enabled and active. • USB On when USB is enabled and active. • DVI On when the DVI Video channel is enabled. • PWR Power indicator.
OPERATION
Indicators
21
Further information
• Technical support – www.adder.com/contact-support-form For technical support, use the contact form in the Support section of the adder.com website - your regional office will then get in contact with you.
CONFIGURATION
• Adder Forum – forum.adder.com Use our forum to access FAQs and discussions.
OPERATION
• Online solutions and updates – www.adder.com/support Check the Support section of the adder.com website for the latest solutions and firmware updates.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you are still experiencing problems after checking the information contained within this guide, then we provide a number of other solutions:
INSTALLATION
Getting assistance
INDEX
This chapter contains a variety of information, including the following: • Getting assistance - see right • Appendix A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages • Appendix B - Receiver (TX) unit configuration pages • Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units • Appendix D - Troubleshooting • Appendix E - Glossary • Appendix F - RS232 ‘null-modem’ cable, General specifications. • Safety information • Warranty • Radio frequency energy statements
22
CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
This section covers the browser-based configuration utility for the AdderLink Infinity TX (transmitter) unit. The TX utility has ten pages, titled as follows: • System Configuration • System Messages • Video Configuration • Statistics • USB Settings • Firmware Upgrade • Security • Reboot • AIM Manager • About
INSTALLATION
Appendix A - Transmitter (TX) unit configuration pages
23
TX System Configuration
Unit Description Allows you to optionally add a description of the unit, such as its location. Useful when many ALIF units are being used. System IP Address Enter the address that you wish to use for this transmitter. The default is 169.254.1.33 which is the zero config IP address that allows the unit to work immediately in point-to-point mode.You are recommended to change this to an appropriate address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx
INSTALLATION
Unit Name Name details that you can alter to distinguish this unit from all others. The name entered here will be read by A.I.M. units (if used) for administration purposes.
Enable options These checkboxes allow you to determine which peripheral options will be used:Video, audio, USB and serial. Serial port options These allow you to match the serial configuration being used by the attached PC host. Identify unit When clicked, these buttons cause the front panel indicators to flash to assist with identifying the ALIF unit within a rack. • The Identify Unit (short) button flashes the indicators for five seconds. • The Identify Unit (long) button flashes the indicators for one hour but can be overridden by clicking the Identify Unit (short) button.
OPERATION
System Gateway Necessary when receiver units may be placed on a different network.
CONFIGURATION
System Netmask Enter the netmask that you wish to use for this transmitter. The default is 255.255.0.0. If you change the IP address to the private range, you are recommended to change this to 255.255.255.0
INDEX
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the System Configuration link.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Thumbnail The Thumbnail shows a snap shot of the video that is connected and reports the video resolution/color depth that has been detected. Click the Refresh Thumbnail button to update.
24
Colour Depth This parameter determines the number of bits required to define the color of every pixel. The maximum (and default) value is ‘24 bit’. By reducing the value you can significantly reduce bandwidth consumption, at the cost of video color reproduction. Options: 24 bit, 16 bit or 8 bit. Use Default DDC and Choose Default DDC When the Use Default DDC option is unticked, AdderLink Infinity will use the EDID that is reported by the monitor connected to the receiver unit. However, if you tick the Use Default DDC option, you can then select from a range of preset video resolutions from the Choose Default DDC drop down box. Once selected, the TX will report itself capable of only supporting this one video resolution. Please note that all of the listed video resolutions are single link DVI with a maximum pixel clock of 165MHz and a 60Hz refresh rate. Enable Hot Plug Detect... When this option is ticked, every time the monitor is changed at the receiver unit, a hot plug detect message will be sent to the graphics card of the PC attached to the TX unit.
CONFIGURATION
Background Refresh The TX unit sends portions of the video image only when they change. In order to give the best user experience, the TX unit also sends the whole video image, at a lower frame rate, in the background. The Background Refresh parameter controls the rate at which this background image is sent. The default value is ‘every 32 frames’, meaning that a full frame is sent in the background every 32 frames. Reducing this to ‘every 64 frames’ or more will reduce the amount of bandwidth that the TX unit consumes. On a high-traffic network this parameter should be reduced in this way to improve overall system performance. Options: every 32 frames, every 64 frames, every 128 frames, every 256 frames or disabled.
OPERATION
Peak bandwidth limiter percentage The TX unit will employ a ‘best effort’ strategy in sending video and other data over the IP network. This means it will use as much of the available network bandwidth as necessary to achieve optimal data quality, although typically the TX unit will use considerably less than the maximum available. In order to prevent the TX unit from ‘hogging’ too much of the network capacity, you can reduce this setting to place a tighter limit on the maximum bandwidth permissible to the TX unit. Range: 0 to 95%.
INSTALLATION
TX Video Configuration
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the Video Configuration link.
INDEX
Frame skipping percentage Frame Skipping involves ‘missing out’ video frames between those captured by the TX unit. For video sources that update only infrequently or for those that update very frequently but where high fidelity is not required, frame skipping is a good strategy for reducing the overall bandwidth consumed by the system. Range: 0 to 100%.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Period of Hot Plug Detect signal This is the length of time that a hot-plug detect signal is applied. The default of 25mS is sufficient for the majority of graphics cards, however, a small minority may need to be given a longer a period.
25
TX USB Settings
Hub Size Using this option you can select whether the transmitter should report itself as a 13 or a 7 port USB hub. Some USB hosts are only able to support 7 port USB hubs. If this option is set to 7, then only 7 USB devices are supported by the PC.
Encryption This setting allows you to apply encryption to the USB and control data passed across the link. Note that video data is never encrypted. Secure Web pages with password When ticked, this option enables https security so that the configuration pages are only accessible to the admin user with a password.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click either the USB Settings or Security links, as appropriate.
INDEX
TX Security
FURTHER INFORMATION
OPERATION
Reserved Port Range For some devices, e.g. touch screens, you may wish to ensure that they are always reported to the same USB port number so that the USB driver will always find the device. This option allows you reserve up to 8 ports for certain devices. At the RX unit, the devices are assigned to the reserved ports. If a port reservation is to be applied, then the dummy boot keyboard should be disabled. The default value for this option is ‘0’, i.e. disabled. See Port Reservation on RX unit for further details.
CONFIGURATION
Disable Hi-Speed This option allows you to force the system to run at the low/full USB speed of 12Mb/s, thus forcing USB 2.0 HiSpeed devices to adapt to the lower rate.
INSTALLATION
Enable Dummy Boot Keyboard When ticked, the TX unit reports a virtual dummy boot keyboard to the attached PC to ensure that a keyboard is always reported when the PC boots up. The dummy boot keyboard uses one of the 13 USB endpoints, therefore if all 13 endpoints are required elsewhere for USB devices (or a KVM switch only supports two HID devices) then it can be disabled by deselecting this option. See also Reserved Port Range below.
26
TX AIM Manager
TX System Messages Enable system messages Tick to allow the creation of status and error messages by the unit.
OPERATION
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
Enable AIM Control Click this button to allow an A.I.M. (Adder Infinity Manager) box to take control of this TX. When the button is clicked, the TX unit will be rebooted to allow the A.I.M. box to discover and control it.
Update Now Click to save and implement any changes that you make.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click either the AIM Manager or System Messages links, as appropriate.
INDEX
Store system messages in unit When ticked, this option will store system messages within the memory of the unit. Click the View messages button to view the list or the Clear messages button to delete the list.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Send system messages to remote Log Server Choose this option to send the system messages to a remote server via the network. Provide the IP address of a suitable server here also.
27
TX Statistics
TX Firmware Upgrade
Reboot Use this page to perform a reboot or a factory reset. Please see the section Manual factory reset for details.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click either the Statistics , Firmware Upgrade or Reboot links, as appropriate.
INDEX
TX Reboot
FURTHER INFORMATION
OPERATION
Upgrade Use this page to upgrade the main or backup firmware image on the unit. Please see the section Performing an upgrade for details.
CONFIGURATION
Submit Click this button after ticking the above checkbox to plot the chosen statistics on a pop up graph.
INSTALLATION
Enable collection of bandwidth statistics The ALIF unit can record data transfer statistics and plot them on a graph for troubleshooting and optimization purposes. When you enable this option, you will first be presented with a pop up from which you can choose which aspects you would like to graph: Data throughput, various packet rates and/or frame rates.
28
TX About
FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the TX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.33 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the About link.
OPERATION
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
About This page displays key information about the TX unit that may be requested by Adder Technical Support.
29
CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
This section covers the browser-based configuration utility for the AdderLink Infinity RX (receiver) unit. The RX utility has nine pages, titled as follows: • System Configuration • Statistics • USB Settings • Firmware Upgrade • Security • Reboot • AIM Manager • About • System Messages
INSTALLATION
Appendix B - Receiver (RX) unit configuration pages
30
RX System Configuration Unit Name Name details that you can alter to distinguish this unit from all others. The name entered here will be read by A.I.M. units (if used) for administration purposes.
Enable options These checkboxes allow you to determine which peripheral options will be used:Video, audio, USB and serial. Audio Input Type Choose ‘line’ for stereo line input, ‘mic’ for mono microphone or ‘mic boost’ for a mono microphone that requires extra gain (+20dB). Enable Video Compatibility Check If enabled, this option compares the EDID reported by the PC graphics card and determines whether the display connected to the RX is capable of displaying the chosen video resolution. If not, an error message is generated and the connection is not made. Identify unit When clicked, these buttons cause the front panel indicators to flash to assist with identifying the ALIF unit within a rack. • The Identify Unit (short) button flashes the indicators for five seconds. • The Identify Unit (long) button flashes the indicators for one hour. Clicking the (short) button to override. Target Transmitter Unit Settings IP address: Enter the address of the TX unit that you need to connect with. Use ETH2: Controls an optional feature that can be used when the ALIF 1000 receiver is linked to an ALIF dual (2002 or 2112T) transmitter. This allows the extra Teaming port of those transmitters to provide a secondary (redundant) data feed (using the IP Address for ETH2 entry) that can be automatically substituted if the primary link fails. This section also contains separate options for video, audio, USB and serial, which are accessible by clicking the blue arrow. See A rough guide to configuring TX and RX units for details.
CONFIGURATION
System Gateway Necessary when transmitter units may be placed on a different network.
OPERATION
System Netmask Enter the netmask that you wish to use for this receiver. The default is 255.255.0.0. If you change the IP address to the private range, you are recommended to change this to 255.255.255.0
FURTHER INFORMATION
System IP Address Enter the address that you wish to use for this receiver. The default is 169.254.1.32 which is the zero config IP address that allows the unit to work immediately in point-to-point mode.You are recommended to change this to an appropriate address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx
INSTALLATION
Unit Description Allows you to add a description of the unit, such as its location. Useful when many ALIF units are being used.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the System Configuration link.
INDEX
Multicast Settings The items within this section are required if the RX will join a multicast group i.e. many receivers connected to the one transmitter.You need to enter the multicast IP addresses of the Video and Audio that the TX unit has generated.
31
RX USB Settings
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the USB Settings link.
CONFIGURATION
Advanced features This section is used for special configuration and is disabled by default. If a USB device fails to operate as expected, this section allows special codes to be inserted to attempt to solve the issue.
OPERATION
Port Reservation This section allows you to map the four USB connectors on the receiver to a specific USB port that has been reserved on the transmitter. It is useful if you have a specific device e.g. a touch screen that must be reported to a specific USB port on the USB host device. See Reserved Port Range on the TX unit for further details.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Enable Isochronous Endpoint Attach When enabled, this option will allow for an exchange of control information with an Isochronous device. Some devices have multiple endpoints e.g. a keyboard with an audio controller. By enabling this option, the keyboard functionality will work even though the isochronous audio functionality will not. Without this setting, the entire keyboard would be rejected as it would be detected as being solely an isochronous device.
INDEX
Isochronous Endpoint OSD Alerts The AdderLink Infinity USB system does not support Isochronous USB. When enabled, this option will alert the user when an Isochronous USB device is connected.
INSTALLATION
Allow Human Interface Devices (HID) only When enabled, this option restricts supported USB devices to keyboards and mice only. The use of memory sticks and other devices is disabled.
32
RX Security
CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHER INFORMATION
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click the Security link.
INDEX
Secure Web pages with password When ticked, this option enables https security so that the configuration pages are only accessible to the admin user with a password.
INSTALLATION
Encryption This setting allows you to apply encryption to the USB and control data passed across the link. Note that video data is never encrypted.
33
RX AIM Manager
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
Enable AIM Control Click this button to allow an A.I.M. (Adder Infinity Manager) box to take control of this RX. When the button is clicked, the RX unit will be rebooted to allow the A.I.M. box to discover and control it.
Store system messages in unit When ticked, this option will store system messages within the memory of the unit. Click the View messages button to view the list or the Clear messages button to delete the list. Update Now Click to save and implement any changes that you make.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click either the AIM Manager or System Messages links, as appropriate.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Send system messages to remote Log Server Choose this option to send the system messages to a remote server via the network. Provide the IP address of a suitable server here also.
INDEX
Enable system messages Tick to allow the creation of status and error messages by the unit.
OPERATION
RX System Messages
34
RX Statistics
RX Firmware Upgrade
RX Reboot
INDEX
Reboot Use this page to perform a reboot or a factory reset. Please see the section Manual factory reset for details.
FURTHER INFORMATION
OPERATION
Upgrade Use this page to upgrade the main or backup firmware image on the unit. Please see the section Performing an upgrade for details.
CONFIGURATION
Submit Click this button after ticking the above checkbox to plot the chosen statistics on a pop up graph.
INSTALLATION
Enable collection of bandwidth statistics The ALIF unit can record data transfer statistics and plot them on a graph for troubleshooting and optimization purposes. When you enable this option, you will first be presented with a pop up from which you can choose which aspects you would like to graph: Data throughput, various packet rates and/or frame rates.
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 Click either the Statistics , Firmware Upgrade or Reboot links, as appropriate.
35
RX About
FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
To get here 1 If not already connected, temporarily connect the AdderLink Infinity unit and a PC via a network. 2 Run a web browser and enter the IP address of the RX unit. Default: http://169.254.1.32 If the address is unknown, perform a manual factory reset. 3 If necessary, click the About link.
OPERATION
CONFIGURATION
INSTALLATION
About This page displays key information about the RX unit that may be requested by Adder Technical Support.
36
Appendix C - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
Layer 2 switches are what bind all of the hosts together in the subnet. However, they are all not created equally, so choose carefully. In particular look for the following: • Gigabit (1000Mbps) or faster Ethernet ports, • Support for IGMP v2 (or v3) snooping, • Support for Jumbo frames up to 9216-byte size, • High bandwidth connections between switches, preferably Fiber Channel. • Look for switches that perform their most onerous tasks (e.g. IGMP snooping) using multiple dedicated processors (ASICS). • Ensure the maximum number of concurrent ‘snoopable groups’ the switch can handle meets or exceeds the number of ALIF transmitters that will be used to create multicast groups. • Check the throughput of the switch: Full duplex, 1Gbps up- and down- stream speeds per port. • Use the same switch make and model throughout a single subnet. • You also need a Layer 3 switch. Ensure that it can operate efficiently as an IGMP Querier. Layer 2 (and Layer 3) switches known to work • Cisco 2960 • Extreme Networks X480 • Cisco 3750 • HP Procurve 2810 • Cisco 4500 • HP Procurve 2910 • Cisco 6500
• H3C 5120 • HuaWei Quidway s5328c-E1 (Layer 3)
For the latest list of switches known to work with ALIF and setup instructions for them, please go to www.adder.com
The recommended layout The layout shown below has been found to provide the most efficient network layout for rapid throughput when using IGMP snooping:
INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION
Choosing the right switch
OPERATION
• Choose the right kind of switch. • Create an efficient network layout. • Configure the switches and devices correctly.
Network layout is vital. The use of IGMP snooping also introduces certain constraints, so take heed: • Keep it flat. Use a basic line-cascade structure rather than a pyramid or tree arrangement. • Keep the distances between the switches as short as possible. • Ensure sufficient bandwidth between switches to eliminate bottlenecks. • Where the A.I.M. server is used to administer multiple ALIF transceivers, ensure the A.I.M. server and all ALIF units reside in the same subnet. • Do not use VGA to DVI converters, instead replace VGA video cards in older systems with suitable DVI replacements. Converters cause ALIF TX units to massively increase data output. • Wherever possible, create a private network.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Summary of steps
Creating an efficient network layout
• Use no more than two cascade levels. • Ensure high bandwidth between the two L2 switches and very high bandwidth between the top L2 and the L3. Typically 10GB and 20GB, respectively for 48 port L2 switches. continued
INDEX
ALIF units use multiple strategies to minimize the amount of data that they send across networks. However, data overheads can be quite high, particularly when very high resolution video is being transferred, so it is important to take steps to maximize network efficiency and help minimize data output. The tips given in this section have been proven to produce very beneficial results.
37
CONFIGURATION OPERATION FURTHER INFORMATION INDEX
The layout is vital but so too is the configuration: • Enable IGMP Snooping on all L2 switches. • Ensure that IGMP Fast-Leave is enabled on all switches with ALIF units connected directly to them. • Enable the L3 switch as an IGMP Querier. • Enable Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on all switches and importantly also enable portfast (only) on all switch ports that have ALIF units connected. • If any hosts will use any video resolutions using 2048 horizontal pixels (e.g. 2048 x 1152), ensure that Jumbo Frames are enabled on all switches. • Choose an appropriate forwarding mode on all switches. Use Cut-through if available, otherwise Store and forward. • Optimize the settings on the ALIF transmitters: • If color quality is important, then leave Colour Depth at 24 bits and adjust other controls, • If moving video images are being shown frequently, then leave Frame Skipping at a low percentage and instead reduce the Peak bandwidth limiter and Colour Depth. • Where screens are quite static, try increasing the Background Refresh interval and/ or increasing the Frame skipping percentage setting. Make changes to the ALIF transmitters one at a time, in small steps, and view typical video images so that you can attribute positive or negative results to the appropriate control. • Ensure that all ALIF units are fully updated to the latest firmware version (at least v2.1).
INSTALLATION
Configuring the switches and devices
38
CONFIGURATION
Remedies: • Ensure that IGMP snooping is enabled on all switches within the subnet. • Where each ALIF unit is connected as the sole device on a port connection to a switch, enable IGMP Fast-Leave (aka Immediate Leave) to reduce unnecessary processing on each switch. • Check the video resolution(s) being fed into the ALIF transmitters. If resolutions using 2048 horizontal pixels are unavoidable then ensure that Jumbo frames are enabled on all switches. • Check the forwarding mode on the switches. If Store and forward is being used, try selecting Cut-through as this mode causes reduced latency on lesser switch designs. • Ensure that one device within the subnet is correctly configured as an IGMP Querier, usually a layer 3 switch or multicast router. • Ensure that the firmware in every ALIF unit is version 2.1 or greater. • Try adjusting the transmitter settings on each ALIF to make the output data stream as efficient as possible. See ALIF transmitter video settings for details.
FURTHER INFORMATION
OPERATION
continued
INDEX
Problem:The video image of the ALIF receiver shows horizontal lines across the screen. This issue is known as Blinding because the resulting video image looks as though you’re viewing it through a venetian blind. When video is transmitted by ALIF units, the various lines of each screen are divided up and transmitted as separate data packets. If the reception of those packets is disturbed, then blinding is caused. The lines are displayed in place of the missing video data packets. There are several possible causes for the loss of data packets: • Incorrect switch configuration. The problem could be caused by multicast flooding, which causes unnecessary network traffic. This is what IGMP snooping is designed to combat, however, there can be numerous causes of the flooding. • Speed/memory bandwidth issues within one or more switches. The speed and capabilities of different switch models varies greatly. If a switch cannot maintain pace with the quantity of data being sent through it, then it will inevitably start dropping packets. • One or more ALIF units may be outputting Jumbo frames due to the video resolution (2048 horizontal pixels) being used. If jumbo frames are output by an ALIF unit, but the network switches have not been configured to use jumbo frames, the switches will attempt to break the large packets down into standard packets. This process introduces a certain latency and could be a cause for dropped packets. • One or more ALIF units may be using an old firmware version. Firmware versions prior to v2.1 exhibited an issue with the timing of IGMP join and leave commands that caused multicast flooding in certain configurations.
INSTALLATION
Appendix D - Troubleshooting
39
Remedies: • Ensure that the ALIF units and the A.I.M. server are located within the same subnet. A.I.M. cannot cross subnet boundaries. • Manually reset the ALIF units to their zero config IP addresses. • Enable portfast on all switch ports that have ALIF units attached to them or try temporarily disabling STP on the switches while A.I.M. is attempting to locate ALIF units.
INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION
Problem: A.I.M. cannot locate working ALIF units. There are a few possible causes: • The ALIF units must be reset back to their zero config IP addresses for A.I.M. discovery. If you have a working network of ALIF’s without A.I.M. and then add A.I.M. to the network A.I.M. will not discover the ALIFs until they are reset to the zero config IP addresses. • This could be caused by Layer 2 Cisco switches that have Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) enabled but do not also have portfast enabled on the ports to which ALIF units are connected. Without portfast enabled, ALIF units will all be assigned the same zero config IP address at reboot and A.I.M. will only acquire them one at a time on a random basis. You can easily tell whether portfast is enabled on a switch that is running STP: When you plug the link cable from a working ALIF unit into the switch port, check how long it takes for the port indicator to change from orange to green. If it takes roughly one second, portfast is on; if it takes roughly thirty seconds then portfast is disabled.
OPERATION
Remedies: As per blinding discussed previously.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Remedies: • Linux PCs Check the video settings on the PC. If the Dither video box option is enabled, disable it. • Apple Mac with Nvidia graphics Use the Adder utility for Mac’s – Contact technical support. • Apple Mac with ATI graphics Use the ALIF 2000 series unit with Magic Eye dither removal feature. • Windows PCs If you suspect these issues with PC’s, contact technical support for assistance. • Replace old VGA adapters on host computers with DVI video cards.
Problem:The audio output of the ALIF receiver sounds like a scratched record. This issue is called Audio crackle and is a symptom of the same problem that produces blinding (see previous page). The issue is related to missing data packets.
INDEX
Problem:The mouse pointer of the ALIF receiver is slow or sluggish when moved across the screen. This issue is often related to either using dithering on the video output of one or more transmitting computers or using VGA-to-DVI video converters. Dithering is used to improve the perceived quality and color depth of images by diffusing or altering the color of pixels between video frames. This practice is commonly used on Apple Mac computers using ATI or Nvidia graphics cards.VGAto-DVI converters unwittingly produce a similar issue by creating high levels of pixel background noise. ALIF units attempt to considerably reduce network traffic by transmitting only the pixels that change between successive video frames. When dithering is enabled and/or VGA-toDVI converters are used, this can have the effect of changing almost every pixel between each frame, thus forcing the ALIF transmitter to send the whole of every frame: resulting in greatly increased network traffic and what’s perceived as sluggish performance.
40
Appendix E - Glossary
IGMP Fast-Leave (aka Immediate Leave) When a device/host no longer wishes to receive a multicast transmission, it can issue an IGMP Leave Group message as mentioned above. This causes the switch to issue an IGMP Group-Specific Query message on the port (that the Leave Group was received on) to check no other receivers exist on that connection that wish to remain a part of the multicast. This process has a cost in terms of switch processor activity and time. Where ALIF units are connected directly to the switch (with no other devices on the same port) then enabling IGMP Fast-Leave mode means that switches can immediately remove receivers without going through a full checking procedure. Where multiple units are regularly joining and leaving multicasts, this can speed up performance considerably.
INSTALLATION
Since its commercial introduction in 1980, the Ethernet standard has been successfully extended and adapted to keep pace with the ever improving capabilities of computer systems. The achievable data rates, for instance, have risen in ten-fold leaps from the original 10Mbit/s to a current maximum of 100Gbit/s. While data speeds have increased massively, the standard defining the number of bytes (known as the Payload) placed into each data packet has remained resolutely stuck at its original level of 1500 bytes. This standard was set during the original speed era (10Mbits/s) and offered the best compromise at that speed between the time taken to process each packet and the time required to resend faulty packets due to transmission errors. But now networks are much faster and files/data streams are much larger; so time for a change? Unfortunately, a wholesale change to the packet size is not straightforward as it is a fundamental standard and changing it would mean a loss of backward compatibility with older systems. Larger payload options have been around for a while, however, they have often been vendor specific and at present they remain outside the official standard. There is, however, increased consensus on an optional ‘Jumbo’ payload size of 9000 bytes and this is fully supported by the AdderLink Infinity (ALIF) units. Jumbo frames (or Jumbo packets) offer advantages for ALIF units when transmitting certain high resolution video signals across a network. This is because the increased data in each packet reduces the number of packets that need to be transferred and dealt with - thus reducing latency times. The main problem is that for jumbo frames to be possible on a network, all of the devices on the network must support them.
CONFIGURATION
IGMP Querier When IGMP is used, each subnet requires one Layer 3 switch to act as a Querier. In this lead role, the switch periodically sends out IGMP Query messages and in response all hosts report which multicast streams they wish to receive. The Querier device and all snooping Layer 2 switches, then update their lists accordingly (the lists are also updated when Join Group and Leave Group (IGMPv2) messages are received).
Jumbo frames (Jumbo packets)
OPERATION
IGMP Snooping The IGMP messages are effective but only operate at layer 2 - intended for routers to determine whether multicast data should enter a subnet. A relatively recent development has taken place within the switches that glue together all of the hosts within each subnet: IGMP Snooping. IGMP snooping means these layer 2 devices now have the ability to take a peek at the IGMP messages. As a result, the switches can then determine exactly which of their own hosts have requested to receive a multicast – and only pass on multicast data to those hosts.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Where an ALIF transmitter is required to stream video to two or more receivers, multicasting is the method used. Multicasting involves the delivery of identical data to multiple receivers simultaneously without the need to maintain individual links. When multicast data packets enter a subnet, the natural reaction of the switches that bind all the hosts together within the subnet, is to spread the multicast data to all of their ports. This is referred to as Multicast flooding and means that the hosts (or at least their network interfaces) are required to process plenty of data that they didn’t request. IGMP offers a partial solution. The Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is designed to prevent multicast flooding by allowing Layer 3 switches to check whether host computers within their care are interested in receiving particular multicast transmissions.They can then direct multicast data only to those points that require it and can shut off a multicast stream if the subnet has no recipients. There are currently three IGMP versions: 1, 2 and 3, with each version building upon the capabilities of the previous one: • IGMPv1 allows host computers to opt into a multicast transmission using a Join Group message, it is then incumbent on the router to discover when they no longer wish to receive; this is achieved by polling them (see IGMP Querier below) until they no longer respond. • IGMPv2 includes the means for hosts to opt out as well as in, using a Leave Group message. • IGMPv3 encompasses the abilities of versions 1 and 2 but also adds the ability for hosts to specify particular sources of multicast data. AdderLink Infinity units make use of IGMPv2 when performing multicasts to ensure that no unnecessary congestion is caused.
INDEX
Internet Group Management Protocol
41
ALIF transmitter video settings
Colour Depth This parameter determines the number of bits required to define the color of every pixel. The maximum (and default) value is ‘24 bit’. By reducing the value you can significantly reduce bandwidth consumption, at the cost of video color reproduction.
Frame Skipping Frame Skipping involves ‘missing out’ video frames between those captured by the transmitter. For video sources that update only infrequently or for those that update very frequently but where high fidelity is not required, frame skipping is a good strategy for reducing the overall bandwidth consumed by the system.
CONFIGURATION
Peak Bandwidth Limiter The transmitter will employ a ‘best effort’ strategy in sending video and other data over the IP network. This means it will use as much of the available network bandwidth as necessary to achieve optimal data quality, although typically the transmitter will use considerably less than the maximum available. In order to prevent the transmitter from ‘hogging’ too much of the network capacity, you can reduce this setting to place a tighter limit on the maximum bandwidth permissible to the transmitter.
OPERATION
Background Refresh The transmitter sends portions of the video image only when they change. In order to give the best user experience, the transmitter also sends the whole video image, at a lower frame rate, in the background. The Background Refresh parameter controls the rate at which this background image is sent. The default value is ‘every 32 frames’, meaning that a full frame is sent in the background every 32 frames. Reducing this to ‘every 64 frames’ or more will reduce the amount of bandwidth that the transmitter consumes. On a high-traffic network this parameter should be reduced in this way to improve overall system performance.
INSTALLATION
Each ALIF transmitter includes controls to help you customize how video data is transmitted. When configured correctly for the application, these can help to increase data efficiency.
FURTHER INFORMATION
In order to build a robust network, it is necessary to include certain levels of redundancy within the interconnections between switches. This will help to ensure that a failure of one link does not lead to a complete failure of the whole network. The danger of multiple links is that data packets, especially multicast packets, become involved in continual loops as neighbouring switches use the duplicated links to send and resend them to each other. To prevent such bridging loops from occurring, the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), operating at layer 2, is used within each switch. STP encourages all switches to communicate and learn about each other. It prevents bridging loops by blocking newly discovered links until it can discover the nature of the link: is it a new host or a new switch? The problem with this is that the discovery process can take up to 50 seconds before the block is lifted, causing problematic timeouts. The answer to this issue is to enable the portfast variable for all host links on a switch. This will cause any new connection to go immediately into forwarding mode. However, take particular care not to enable portfast on any switch to switch connections as this will result in bridging loops.
INDEX
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
42
carries the data to another user; to complete the picture, consider the transmission medium is Layer 0. In general, think of the functions carried out by the layers at the top as being complex, becoming less complex as you go lower down. As your data travel down from you towards the transmission medium (the cable), they are successively encapsulated at each layer within a new wrapper (along with a few instructions), ready for transport. Once transmission has been made to the intended destination, the reverse occurs: Each wrapper is stripped away and the instructions examined until finally only the original data are left.
CONFIGURATION
When discussing network switches, the terms Layer 2 and Layer 3 are very often used. These refer to parts of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, a standardized way to categorize the necessary functions of any standard network. There are seven layers in the OSI model and these define the steps needed to get the data created by you (imagine that you are Layer 8) reliably down onto the transmission medium (the cable, optical fiber, radio wave, etc.) that
OPERATION
Layer 2 and Layer 3:The OSI model
So why are Layer 2 and Layer 3 of particular importance when discussing AdderLink Infinity? Because the successful transmission of data relies upon fast and reliable passage through network switches – and most of these operate at either Layer 2 or Layer 3. The job of any network switch is to receive each incoming network packet, strip away only the first few wrappers to discover the intended destination then rewrap the packet and send it in the correct direction. In simplified terms, the wrapper that is added at Layer 2 (by the sending system) includes the physical address of the intended recipient system, i.e. the unique MAC address (for example, 09:f8:33:d7:66:12) that is assigned to every networking device at manufacture. Deciphering recipients at this level is more straightforward than at Layer 3, where the address of the recipient is represented by a logical IP address (e.g. 192.168.0.10) and requires greater knowledge of the surrounding network structure. Due to their more complex circuitry, Layer 3 switches are more expensive than Layer 2 switches of a similar build quality and are used more sparingly within installations.
FURTHER INFORMATION
So which one to choose? The Cut-through method has the least latency so is usually the best to use with AdderLink Infinity units. However, if the network components and/ or cabling generate a lot of errors, the Store and forward method should probably be used. On higher end store and forward switches, latency is rarely an issue.
INDEX
In essence, the job of a layer 2 switch is to transfer as fast as possible, data packets arriving at one port out to another port as determined by the destination address. This is known as data forwarding and most switches offer a choice of methods to achieve this. Choosing the most appropriate forwarding method can often have a sizeable impact on the overall speed of switching: • Store and forward is the original method and requires the switch to save each entire data packet to buffer memory, run an error check and then forward if no error is found (or otherwise discard it). • Cut-through was developed to address the latency issues suffered by some store and forward switches. The switch begins interpreting each data packet as it arrives. Once the initial addressing information has been read, the switch immediately begins forwarding the data packet while the remainder is still arriving. Once all of the packet has been received, an error check is performed and, if necessary, the packet is tagged as being in error. This checking ‘on-the-fly’ means that cut-through switches cannot discard faulty packets themselves. However, on receipt of the marked packet, a host will carry out the discard process. • Fragment-free is a hybrid of the above two methods. It waits until the first 64 bits have been received before beginning to forward each data packet. This way the switch is more likely to locate and discard faulty packets that are fragmented due to collisions with other data packets. • Adaptive switches automatically choose between the above methods. Usually they start out as a cut-through switches and change to store and forward or fragmentfree methods if large number of errors or collisions are detected.
INSTALLATION
Forwarding modes
43
Appendix F - Cable pinouts, video modes and general specifications
ALIF units support all VESA and CEA video modes.
INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION
Casing (w x h x d): 198mm (7.92”) x 44mm (1.76”) x 120mm (4.8”) Construction: 1U compact case, robust metal design Weight: 0.75kg (1.65lbs) Mount kits: Rack mount - single or dual units per 1U slot. VESA monitor / wall mount chassis. Power to adapter: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz, 0.5A, Power to unit: 5VDC 12.5W Operating temp: 0ºC to 40ºC (32ºF to 104ºF) Approvals: CE, FCC
OPERATION
Supported video modes
9pin D-type female
FURTHER INFORMATION
9pin D-type female
General specifications
INDEX
RS232 ‘null-modem’ cable pin-out
44
CONFIGURATION
Adder Technology Ltd warrants that this product shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of original purchase. If the product should fail to operate correctly in normal use during the warranty period, Adder will replace or repair it free of charge. No liability can be accepted for damage due to misuse or circumstances outside Adder’s control. Also Adder will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising directly or indirectly from the use of this product. Adder’s total liability under the terms of this warranty shall in all circumstances be limited to the replacement value of this product. If any difficulty is experienced in the installation or use of this product that you are unable to resolve, please contact your supplier.
INSTALLATION
Warranty
OPERATION
For use in dry, oil free indoor environments only. Warning - live parts contained within power adapter. No user serviceable parts within power adapter - do not dismantle. Plug the power adapter into a socket outlet close to the module that it is powering. Replace the power adapter with a manufacturer approved type only. Do not use the power adapter if the power adapter case becomes damaged, cracked or broken or if you suspect that it is not operating properly. • If you use a power extension cord with the units, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total ampere rating of all the devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating. • Do not attempt to service the units yourself.
FURTHER INFORMATION
• • • • • •
INDEX
Safety information
45
FCC Compliance Statement (United States)
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CONFIGURATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to correct the interference with one or more of the following measures: (a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. (b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. (c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. (d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
OPERATION
European EMC directive 2004/108/EC
FURTHER INFORMATION
A Category 5 (or better) twisted pair cable must be used to connect the units in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. All other interface cables used with this equipment must be shielded in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
INSTALLATION
Radio frequency energy
This equipment does not exceed the class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectriques publié par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
INDEX
Canadian Department of Communications RFI statement
46
INSTALLATION
www.adder.com/contact-details
Support:
forum.adder.com
CONFIGURATION
Contact:
OPERATION
www.adder.com
INDEX
FURTHER INFORMATION
Web:
Documentation by:
www.ctxd.com
© 2013 Adder Technology Limited All trademarks are acknowledged. Part No. MAN-ALIF1000 • Release 3.0a
47
J Jumbo frames (packets) 41 L Layers 2 and 3 43 M Multicast configuration 19 N Network layout 37 Network switch choosing 37 Null-modem cable pin-out 44
P Peak Bandwidth Limiter 42
V Video optimization 17 Video modes 44 Video settings 42
Q Querier 41 R Rack mounting 6 Rear panel 3 Receiver configuration 18 Reset manual 15 S Safety information 45 Snooping 41 Spanning Tree Protocol 42 Statistics graphing 28,35 Store and forward 43 Switch choosing 37 configuring 38 System port 3,11 T Transmitter configuration 17 Troubleshooting 39
W Warranty 45
CONFIGURATION
I IANA 19 IGMP 41 fast-leave 41 querier 41 snooping 41 Indicators 3,21 Initial configuration 15
U Upgrade firmware 20 Use ETH2 setting 18,19,31
OPERATION
C Cable spec null-modem 44 Colour Depth 25,42 Configuration browser-based utility 16 receiver 18 styles 2 switches 20 transmitter 17 Connections network link 11 overview 7 RX audio 12 RX AUX port 13 RX power in 14 RX USB devices 13 RX video display 12 TX audio links 8 TX AUX port 9 TX power in 10 TX USB link 9 TX video link 8 Connectors overview 3 Cut-through 43
O Optimization statistics for 28,35 Options switches 20 OSI model 43
FURTHER INFORMATION
B Background Refresh 42 Bracket rack mount 6 Brackets fitting 6 Browser-based utility 16
F Factory reset 15 Fast-Leave 41 Firmware upgrade 20 Forwarding modes 43 Fragment-free 43 Frame Skipping 25,42 Front panel 3 Front panel indicators 21
INDEX
A Adaptive 43
INSTALLATION
Index
48
